TV viewers had their say as The Masked Dancer aired on Saturday night two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The zany ITV show, which sees a celebrity panel guess the identity of masked dancers performing for them, was back on our screens later than usual as Davina McCall, Oti Mabuse and Jonathan Ross, joined by footballing star and famed robot dancer Peter Crouch, tried to work out which stars were disguised by elaborate costumes.
TV schedules changed following the passing of the nation's monarch at the age of 96 on Thursday, following 70 years of service. Many broadcasters have been airing rolling news coverage interspersed with Queen-related content.
.As a result Saturday's ITV schedule continued to look different. Three special documentaries aired throughout the afternoon. However in the evening it moved to its regular shows starting with Nina Warrior followed by The Masked Dancer.
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Before it started an announcer clarified that it was was recorded before the sad news of the Queen's passing. While fans eagerly put on their guessing heads as they played from home, others were unimpressed.
@alanwildthing99 tagged in the broadcaster as they tweeted with a crying emoji: "As much as I love #TheMaskedDancer I just don’t think it should be on TV today. #respect #mourning." And @sandypops6 complained: "Can't kick a ball about but they can still show s**** like #themaskeddancer Behave will ya #RIPQueenElizabethII."
@neveoliver said sarcastically: "Let’s carry on this weekend of sober reflection with no @premierleague football and watch #themaskeddancer." And @PaulRam60679993 said: "As a mark of respected (sic) I've just switched off the Masked Dancer #maskeddancer #TheMaskedDancer."
But @nasuddin1 tweeted: "Glad to see telly returning back to normal and not have to watch coverage of the Queen 24/7." And @FanOfTV05 said: "Finally something on TV that isn't queen related and is fun and normal!! #themaskeddancer."
And @GPC_UK_RAIDER praised: "#TheMaskedDancer great to watch some light hearted Saturday night tele... @petercrouch on the panel lovely stuff.. Top bloke."
ITV bosses said the channel is reintroducing some of its normal programming over the next few days to 'provide viewers with the range of shows that they expect to see on the main ITV channel'. The main channel will 'continue to make changes to its schedule to broadcast the important state events of the coming days', culminating in the historic state funeral on Monday September 19 with extensive and dedicated news coverage from its news teams.
ITV will also continue to show a number of documentaries about the Queen and the new King over the coming days. No advertising will run during any of the royal coverage. Commercial breaks will begin to appear in normal programming from Sunday evening. Further changes to the schedule will be announced in due course.
@GeorgesonMaggie said: "Thank you ITV fort putting TV back for Saturday night so that many who have suffered greatly over the last two years can switch off and enjoy some entertainment. The public need to have some light relief - well done ITV.
@IndeedItsMark said: "It’s not a sin to laugh and enjoy life. We know the show was recorded before #QueenElizabeth death. It may be a period of National mourning, we may show respect; but life and even the monarchy goes on. #TheVoice #TheMaskedDancer. And @robin101962 wrote: "Loving how @ITV have been getting back on schedule by showing minimal adverts."
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